Juan Antonio Avalos Menswear A/W11

Last season's 'Best Menswear' winner at 080 continued his successful show streak at Barcelona Fashion Week for the A/W11 collections. With his 'From Russia with Love' collection, the FDModa graduate brought a bit of innocent politics into his otherwise sporty and functional collection. Military references from a bygone Soviet era characterised the show, which otherwise was full of track suit bottoms, colourful bomber jackets and beige nylon shirts. The army influences were visible through black and white shirt coats which came equipped with leather harnesses. These pieces were accessorised with fur scarfs and vintage Russian military caps. Elements of street tailoring shone through but it was the casual sportiness of Juan Antonio Avalos, a former Bernhard Willhelm employee, that stuck with us.

Dazed Digital: What influenced you this time around?
Juan Antonio Avalos: A CD with Café Sputnik music, I liked the Russian sound. That made me think of Soviet Union, but it's more than just constructivism, it's about the flavours of the country.

DD: It's got a quite strong military theme...
Juan Antonio Avalos: Yes, the  patchwork, the geometrical forms, the and blue combined with gold - but mixed with my sporty and tailored style!

DD: Yes, more than anything, it felt sporty!
Juan Antonio Avalos: It's more sporty than tailored, even though I always put one or two formal jackets in the show. But 80% of the collection is about sport!

DD: Was that real fur scarves and leather bombers?
Juan Antonio Avalos: Yes, it was fur scarves but that was cotton bombers with a plastic surface.

DD: Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?
Juan Antonio Avalos: The bomber jackets, always the bombers...